Local authorities have begun an inspection of five chicken farms within a 30 km (18.6 miles) radius of the spot where the dead bird was found on April 24, Kyodo news agency said.

The case comes less than a week after four swans found on the shores of Lake Towada, close to the northern tip of the main island of Honshu, were found to be infected with the same strain of bird flu. Three of the swans were already dead when discovered.

The Hokkaido prefectural government website said anyone concerned that they may have been in contact with flu-infected birds in the area should contact their public health department.

No human deaths from the disease have been reported in Japan.

No one was immediately available for further comment at the Environment Ministry or prefectural government on Monday, a public holiday.

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